The couple developed the Black Bear Reserve Community in Eustis, Fla. which includes three subdivisions, Upson Downs, Villages, and the Lakes. The Black Bear Reserve Community is serviced by its own water company. As the developers, the Carsons were able to position themselves as the sole members and officers for the Board of Directors of the Black Bear Reserve Homeowner’s Association and the Black Bear Reserve Water Company, which were both registered as not-for-profit entities.

Investigators believe the Carsons stole nearly $1.5 million from the bank accounts belonging to the Black Bear Reserve Homeowners Association and the Black Bear Reserve Water Company. They were able to hide some of the stolen funds by using shell companies they created for this purpose.

Mark Carson was booked into the Marion County Jail on $125,000 bond and Lee Ann Carson was booked into the Orange County Jail on $125,000 bond. This case is being prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 5th Judicial Circuit.